WorkSafe Victoria is hosting an interactive forum in Werribee on 22 July, aimed at helping employers in Melbourne’s west understand how they can achieve return to work success in partnership with occupational rehabilitation providers.
The session is being held in response to the high incidence of injuries and claims in the west. The session is part of WorkSafe Victoria’s efforts to improve Victoria’s return to work performance.
From July 2002 to 31 December 2007, the regions of Brimbank, Hume, Melton, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham reported a combined total of nearly 29,000 claims, costing nearly $498 million in treatment, rehabilitation and compensation costs.
The session will provide local employers and Return to Work Coordinators with information about ways in which they can optimise occupational rehabilitation services and learn about some new occupational rehabilitation initiatives that WorkSafe Victoria is undertaking to help employers.
A panel discussion involving Andrew Paice, Executive Member of the Australian Rehabilitation Providers Association (Victoria) and WorkSafe Victoria return to work experts will ensure local employers have an opportunity to have their questions answered.
According to WorkSafe Victoria’s Executive Director, Len Boehm, “Occupational rehabilitation services are one important element in helping injured workers return to work in a safe and sustainable way.
“These services focus on getting a worker back to work at the place they were employed prior to their injury or illness, or in a new workplace.
“Ultimately, helping an injured worker return to work is good for the worker, their families and workmates, and it’s good for business.
“This not only assists in the early recovery and rehabilitation of the worker, it reduces productivity losses and minimises the impact on an employer’s workplace injury insurance costs.”
The event will be held at 8.30am at Werribee Racing Club in Werribee.